The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life
Have no end, no ultimate end, but God. Thus our Lord: One thing is needful (Luke 10:42). And if your eye is singly fixed on this one thing, your whole body shall be full of light (Matthew 6:22).
Thus Saint Paul: This one thing I do; I press toward the mark, for the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14). Thus Saint James: Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded (James 4:8). Thus Saint John: Do not love the world, neither the things that are in the world (1 John 2:15). For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16), is not of the Father, but is of the world.
The seeking of happiness in what gratifies either the desire of the flesh, by agreeably striking upon the outward senses; the desire of the eye, that is, of the imagination, by its novelty, greatness, or beauty; or the pride of life, whether by pomp, grandeur, power, or the usual consequence of them, applause and admiration: this is not of the Father. It does not come from the Father of spirits, nor is it approved by him, but it is of the world. It is the distinguishing mark of those who will not have him to reign over them (Luke 19:14).
1771 text
13. Have no end, no ultimate end but God. Thus our Lord, One thing is needful. And if thine eye be singly fixt on this one thing, thy whole body shall be full of light. Thus St. Paul, This one thing I do; I press toward the mark, for the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus. Thus St. James, Cleanse your hands, ye sinners, and purify your hearts, ye double-minded. Thus St. John, Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. The seeking happiness in what gratifies either the desire of the flesh, by agreeably striking upon the outward senses, the desire of the eye, of the imagination, by its novelty, greatness, or beauty; or the pride of life, whether by pomp, grandeur, power, or the usual consequence of them, applause and admiration: Is not of the Father, cometh not from, neither is approved by the Father of spirits; but of the world; it is the distinguishing mark of those, who will not have him to reign over them.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 17 in the 1771 Works. Romans 2:29. Saint Mary's, Oxford, 1 January 1733.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.